Researchers from the University of Sheffield in England have found that viruses in giraffe and lemur feces could lead to the creation of new antibacterial drugs. In this respect reported on the university’s website.
These viruses are bacteriophages (phages) that infect bacteria and could potentially replace antibiotics. Scientists specifically looked for them in animals at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park, a wildlife conservation and rehabilitation center in Brunton (England). The park is home to approximately 475 animals representing more than 60 species.
“These phages may have very narrow targets—only one or a few bacterial species within a single species, so the more viruses we find, the more bacteria we can fight,” the authors noted.
After taking the stool sample, the researchers added water to it and carefully filtered the mixture until only the viruses remained. They then expose different bacteria to these viruses to understand the bacteriophages’ targets.
The team is currently focusing on finding phages that could help treat foot infections in people with diabetes. Researchers are also trying to create a phage cocktail that can be used as an antibacterial agent.
Previously in Russia developed Effective antibiotic booster.
Source: Gazeta
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